Sports

Flying Eagles Crash Out of AFCON U-20

Published

7 years ago

February 14, 2019

Eric

Nigeria’s U-20 male team, Flying Eagles failed to reach the final of the ongoing Africa U-20 Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a 4-3 defeat on penalty to Junior Eagles of Mali in their semifinal match, yesterday. After a goalless first half in a keenly contested semifinal, both teams continued to struggle in search of a goal, with Mali breaking the deadlock in the 78th minute through Mamadou Traore. But their celebration did not last long as Paschal Durugbor scored eight minutes later to level the score for Coach Paul Aigbogun-led Eagles.

The game went into extra time, and none of the sides could add to their goal tally in the hard-fought contest. In the shootout, Ikuowen Udoh, Mohammed Jamil, Effiong Maxwell all converted their kicks for the Flying Eagles, while Valentine Ozornwafor and Aniekeme Okon missed theirs. The victory was a sweet revenge for Junior Eagles of Mali for their loss to the Flying Eagles also on penalties at the U-20 WAFU Cup tournament in Lome, Togo in December, last year.

The Flying Eagles won the Group A that had host nation Niger Republic, South Africa and Burundi, finishing with seven points. The team had defeated Burundi and Niger Republic while drawing with South Africa, while Mali finished second in Group B with six points after victories over Burkina Faso and Ghana, and defeat by Senegal.

Speaking ahead of yesterday’s semifinal match, Coach Paul Aigbogun said having met the first target of a FIFA World Cup ticket, his boys will play the semifinal match without any pressure and it turned out to be a disappointing result for his team.

The 7-time African champions will face South Africa in the 3rd Place match on Sunday in Niamey. South Africa lost to Senegal by a lone (own) goal

Sports

Tinubu Hails Rangers Int’l After 9th NPFL Title Win

Published

3 weeks ago

May 26, 2026

Eric

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Rangers International FC on winning the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title, describing the club’s triumph as a remarkable achievement and a testament to its enduring football legacy.

Rangers secured the league crown for a record ninth time after finishing the season with 68 points from 38 matches, ahead of closest rivals Rivers United.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu congratulated the management, players and supporters of the Enugu-based side for their successful campaign.

The President recalled the club’s dominance in Nigerian football during the 1970s and 1980s, highlighting its historic exploits on the continental stage.

He specifically referenced Rangers’ run to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1975 and their triumph in the African Cup Winners’ Cup in 1977.

President Tinubu also commended Governor Peter Mbah for supporting youth and sports development in the State, saying the club’s success reflected the impact of such investments.

“I must also congratulate Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on the victory of Rangers International FC. This victory is an obvious fruit of his administration’s investments in youth and sports in the state. I commend him,” the President said.

He further noted that Rangers, as one of Nigeria’s oldest football clubs, has produced several players who brought honour to the country on the global stage.

The President equally commended Rivers United for their impressive performance throughout the season and for displaying sportsmanship during the competition.

Tinubu wished both Rangers International FC and Rivers United success as they prepare to represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Champions League.

Sports

Ronaldo Celebrates Saudi Pro League Win with Al-Nassr

Published

3 weeks ago

May 22, 2026

Eric

Al Nassr captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has finally won the Saudi Pro League title.

They were confirmed champions on Thursday, thanks to a 4-2 drubbing of relegation battlers, Damac.

The title race had gone down to the final day after Al-Nassr dramatically dropped points against Al-Hilal the previous week.

Jorge Jesus’ side knew there could be no mistakes against a Damac side fighting for survival at the other end of the table.

Ronaldo was on the scoresheet, as his brace helped Al Nassr secure the title ahead of rivals Al Hilal.

Sports

FIFA Lists Six Females Among 52 Referees for 2026 World Cup

Published

2 months ago

April 10, 2026

Eric

FIFA on Thursday unveiled its list of match officials for the June 11-July 19 World Cup, including 52 referees, six of whom are women.

Football’s governing body will also take 88 assistant referees and 30 video match officials, who hail from all six confederations and 50 member associations.

“The selected match officials are the very best in the world,” said Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s chief refereeing officer.

“They were part of a wider pool of officials that was identified and monitored over the past three years. They have attended seminars and officiated at FIFA tournaments.

“In addition, their performances in domestic and international matches were regularly assessed.”

The World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be the biggest in history, with a 48-team line-up and 104 matches to be played.

There are 41 more match officials than at Qatar four years ago, where 32 teams played 64 matches.

“The fact that six women match officials have been selected continues a trend that was started four years ago in Qatar as we aim to further develop women’s refereeing,” Collina said, with six women having already refereed in 2022.

AFP